LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – It's a group of four who join some of the greatest Steelers of all-time as team president Art Rooney announced the latest class of the Steelers Hall of Honor.
A couple of players who retired recently
James Harrison
· When he retired was the Steelers all-time leader in sacks (84.5) and tackles for loss (128)
· 16 sacks (2008) in a season was a Steelers record as well
· Interception and 100-yard return for a touchdown in helping win a Super Bowl against the Cardinals as a defining moment
· Named AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008
Aaron Smith
· A fourth-round selection in 1999, Smith started 152 games
· The defensive end finished with 84 tackles for loss and 44 sacks
· Two-time Super Bowl champ, started 13 playoff games
· Pro Bowl in 2004
Gerry Mullins
· Another fourth-round selection in 1971
· Played 124 games (87 starts), played in 18 playoff games
· Started games at right tackle, right and left guard
· Won four Super Bowl titles
· Had a fumble recovery for a touchdown
Ray Mansfield
· One of a few players retained by Chuck Noll after he became head coach
· Played in a Steelers record 182 consecutive games (152 starts)
· Started every game at center from 1966 until 1972, won 2 Super Bowls
· Most of his career played center, but started his Steelers career as a defensive tackle
These four will be inducted into the Hall of Honor Saturday, October 28th and then recognized the next day at halftime of the game against Jacksonville. There are now 53 members of the Hall of Honor.
Each inductee will receive a solid steel football, which replicates the original honoring the team's 50th anniversary given to Steelers' founder Art Rooney by the US Steel Corporation and United Steel Workers in 1982. Their plaques will be on display in the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium.
The Hall of Honor began in 2017 and each year the team will induct a new class of former players, coaches and contributors 'who were integral in sustaining the franchise's success'. Former players must have been retired for at least three years and played for the Steelers for at least three years.
